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Job Description:

Company Overview

Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a Fortune 200 global manufacturer with over $15.9B in revenue, known for its decentralized structure, customer-focused innovation, and operational excellence. Founded in 1912, ITW operates across 50+ countries, delivering specialized solutions through its unique 80/20 business model.

Division Overview- ITW Specialty Films

ITW Specialty Films produces high-performance coated and metallized films for industries including Financial Cards, Secure ID, Medical Packaging, and Holographics. With eight facilities across North America and Europe, we combine deep technical expertise with agile manufacturing to meet complex customer needs.

Position Summary

As a key member of the leadership team at our Chicago Heights facility, the **CI Manager- Manufacturing Excellence** will lead the charge in driving operational excellence, elevating product quality, and fostering a culture of safety, sustainability, and continuous improvement. This strategic role is instrumental in shaping site performance and culture through the lens of ITW’s Business Model and Leadership Competencies.

This high-impact role will drive measurable results and foster a mindset of excellence across all levels. As part of ITW’s decentralized business model and proprietary operating framework, this leader will identify and implement sustainable improvements that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and strengthen compliance with safety and quality systems.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Continuous Improvement & Operational Excellence (40%)

+ Lead site-wide initiatives using ITW’s proprietary business model and toolbox to improve efficiency, reliability, and cost-effectiveness.

+ Develop and execute a site-level roadmap for operational excellence aligned with plant goals and ITW’s 80/20 principles.

+ Collaborate with R&D and Operations to support new product development and stage gate processes, including control plans and FMEAs.

+ Build sustainable systems and KPIs to monitor progress and ensure visibility of results.

+ Coach and empower teams to foster problem-solving, accountability, and innovation.

+ Influence change through data-driven insights, collaboration, and strategic communication.

Quality Systems Leadership (30%)

+ Provide daily leadership to the Quality Team, ensuring robust systems and compliance with internal and external standards.

+ Champion a culture of quality ownership and continuous learning across the site.

+ Lead audits, corrective actions, and feedback loops to drive product and process improvements.

+ Serve as a quality advocate during customer audits and interface with internal and external stakeholders.

Safety & Compliance (20%)

+ Partner with site leaders to enhance safety awareness, behavior, and performance.

+ Ensure compliance with OSHA, EPA, and other regulatory requirements.

+ Lead risk assessments, incident investigations, and EHS improvement initiatives.

+ Support development of site-specific safety training and systems.

Talent Development & Culture Building (10%)

+ Build and mentor high-performing teams within CI, Quality, and Maintenance.

+ Promote a culture of inclusion, engagement, and frontline empowerment.

+ Support succession planning and leadership development aligned with ITW’s talent strategy.

+ Align CI initiatives with divisional and enterprise-level priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities 

Directly supervise and develop exempt and non-exempt team members.

QUALIFICATIONS

_The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required to perform this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions._

+ Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Manufacturing, Industrial Safety, or related technical field.

+ 5+ years of experience in manufacturing operations, CI, or quality leadership.

+ Proven success in leading cross-functional teams and delivering sustainable improvements.

+ Strong knowledge of quality systems, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation.

+ Excellent communication, analytical, and organizational skills.

+ Demonstrated alignment with ITW’s leadership competencies: integrity, simplicity, shared risk, and respect.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

_The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions._

Physical Demands

+ While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is:

+ Requires frequent standing, Walking, computer use, and communication with both office and production floor teams.

+ Regular movement through production areas; proper PPE provided as needed.

+ Travel up to 20% divisionally as needed.

Working Conditions

+ On-site role in manufacturing facility environment.

FLSA Status

+ This is a Full-Time Exempt position

Compensation Information:

Salary $95,000 – $130,000 annually

_ITW is an equal opportunity employer. We value our colleagues’ unique perspectives, experiences and ideas and create workplaces where everyone can develop their careers and perform to their full potential._

_As an equal employment opportunity employer, ITW is committed to equal employment opportunity and fair treatment for employees, beginning with the hiring process and continuing through all aspects of the employment relationship._

_All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected Veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws._